Windshield wiper device

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a windshield wiper device ( 100 ) for a vehicle, having a fastening element ( 32 ) and a mounting unit ( 110 ) configured to be mounted to the fastening element ( 32 ), wherein the mounting unit ( 110 ) has a first engagement means ( 116 ). The windshield wiper device ( 100 ) comprises a wiper blade ( 2 ) having a longitudinal extension ( 8 ), wherein on the wiper blade side, the wiper blade ( 2 ) is provided with a fastening part ( 120 ) having a second engagement means ( 124 ). The mounting unit ( 110 ) and the fastening part ( 120 ) on the wiper blade side can be inserted into each other, at least partially, by a movement substantially along the longitudinal extension ( 8 ) of the wiper blade ( 2 ). The first engagement means ( 116 ) and the second engagement means ( 124 ) are designed to engage with one another, whenever the mounting unit ( 110 ) and the fastening part ( 120 ) on the wiper blade side are inserted into each other. The engagement between the first engagement means ( 116 ) of the mounting unit ( 110 ) and the second engagement means ( 124 ) of the fastening part ( 120 ) on the wiper blade side can be released.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a windshield wiper device for a vehicle, inparticular a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to amethod for mounting a windshield wiper device, and relates to a methodfor dismantling a windshield wiper device.

Windshield wiper devices typically have a wiper arm or wiper lever, awiper blade being moved on the window of a motor vehicle. Here, thewiper blade is moved between a first reversing position and a secondreversing position. For this purpose, the wiper arm is connected via adrive shaft to a wiper motor.

In the case of the improvement of windshield wiper devices, there are aplurality of boundary conditions which should be taken intoconsideration. They include the complexity during the manufacture and/orthe manufacturing costs, the material costs, but also the properties ofthe windshield wiper device, in particular the function under a widevariety of conditions and the durability under a multiplicity ofconditions.

Wear phenomena which are associated with a deterioration of the wipingquality usually occur in the case of windshield wiper devices, inparticular in the case of wiper blades, as a result of their regularuse. Moreover, as a result of the exposed position of windshield wiperdevices on the front or rear window of motor vehicles, in particularwhen passing through a car wash, there is the risk that the windshieldwiper device is damaged or even torn off. It is necessary in these casesto replace the worn or damaged windshield wiper devices. The replacementof windshield wiper devices is conventionally relatively complicated,since they are usually fastened to the drive shaft via screwconnections.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a windshield wiperdevice, a method for mounting a windshield wiper device, and a methodfor dismantling a windshield wiper device, by way of which at least oneor a plurality of the abovementioned disadvantages are reduced orsubstantially do not occur.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a windshield wiperdevice is proposed for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, havinga fastening element and a mounting unit which is designed for beingmounted on the fastening element, the mounting unit having a firstengagement means. The windshield wiper device comprises a wiper bladewith a longitudinal extent, the wiper blade having a wiper blade-sidefastening part with a second engagement means, it being possible for themounting unit and the wiper blade-side fastening part to be introducedat least partially into one another by way of a movement substantiallyalong the longitudinal extent of the wiper blade, the first engagementmeans and the second engagement means being designed for engaging intoone another when the mounting unit and the wiper blade-side fasteningpart are introduced into one another, and wherein the engagement betweenthe first engagement means of the mounting unit and the secondengagement means of the wiper blade-side fastening part is releasable.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method isprovided for mounting a windshield wiper device in accordance with theembodiments which are described here. The method comprises introducingthe mounting unit and the wiper blade-side fastening part at leastpartially into one another by way of a movement substantially along thelongitudinal extent of the wiper blade; and formation of a non-positiveconnection and/or positively locking connection between the firstengagement means and the second engagement means.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method isprovided for dismantling of a windshield wiper device in accordance withthe embodiments which are described here. The method comprises releasinga non-positive connection and/or positively locking connection betweenthe first engagement means and the second engagement means; and movingthe mounting unit and the wiper blade-side fastening part away from oneanother in a direction substantially along the longitudinal extent ofthe wiper blade, in order to release the mounting unit and the wiperblade-side fastening part from one another.

Preferred embodiments and special aspects of the invention result fromthe dependent claims, the drawings and the present description.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a windshield wiper device isprovided which can be mounted and dismantled in a simple way. Thewindshield wiper device which is preferably of the fin ray type can bemounted and dismantled by way of a single movement. Accordingly, thewindshield wiper device and, in particular, the wiper blade can beexchanged simply in the case of damage or can be removed in a simple waybefore passing through a car wash and can subsequently be mounted again.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a windshieldwiper device for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising awiper blade is specified. The wiper blade comprises an elongate upperpart which is of at least partially flexible configuration, an elongatelower part which is of at least partially flexible configuration, aplurality of connecting elements for connecting the upper part and thelower part, the connecting elements being spaced apart from one anotheralong a longitudinal extent of the wiper blade and being attached on theupper part and/or on the lower part by means of a rotary joint, theconnecting elements being designed, in particular, for making a movementof the upper part and the lower part relative to one another possible,with a movement component along the longitudinal extent of the wiperblade. A windshield wiper device having a wiper blade of this type canbe called a “fin ray”. Windshield wiper devices of the fin ray type aredistinguished by particularly high flexibility and satisfactoryadaptation to the curvature and curvature changes of the window to bewiped.

In accordance with embodiments, the mounting unit has a first opening,through which the wiper blade-side fastening part can be introduced atleast partially into the mounting unit. In other embodiments, the wiperblade-side fastening part has the first opening, through which themounting unit can be introduced at least partially into the wiperblade-side fastening part. Therefore, the wiper blade can be mounted onthe mounting unit in a simple way.

In some embodiments, the first engagement means is an opening, forexample a second opening, a circumferential region of the second openingbeing designed for engaging with the second engagement means and, inparticular, for forming a non-positive and/or positively lockingconnection with the second engagement means. In other embodiments, thesecond engagement means is the second opening, the circumferentialregion of the second opening being designed for engaging with the firstengagement means and, in particular, for forming a non-positive and/orpositively locking connection with the first engagement means.Therefore, the wiper blade and the mounting unit can be connected to oneanother in a simple way and, in particular, can be connected to oneanother releasably.

In accordance with embodiments which can be combined with otherembodiments which are described here, the windshield wiper devicecomprises an actuating apparatus, the engagement between the firstengagement means of the mounting unit and the second engagement means ofthe wiper blade-side fastening part being releasable by way of actuationof the actuating apparatus. For example, the actuating apparatus cancomprise the first engagement means or the second engagement means, theactuating apparatus and the first engagement means or the secondengagement means being able to be configured in one piece, inparticular. Therefore, the windshield wiper device can be manufacturedsimply and inexpensively.

The actuating apparatus can typically be configured as a button orpushbutton. Therefore, for example, the non-positive connection and/orpositively locking connection between the first engagement means and thesecond engagement means can be released in a simple manner, inparticular by way of pressing of the pushbutton.

In accordance with some embodiments which can be combined with otherembodiments which are described here, the wiper blade-side fasteningpart is arranged or mounted on the wiper blade so as to be rotatableabout an axis of rotation, in particular wherein the axis of rotation issubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the wiperblade. The windshield wiper device typically comprises a rotary jointwhich connects the wiper blade-side fastening part and the wiper bladerotatably to each other, and in particular wherein the rotary jointprovides the axis of rotation. As a result, good adaptation to thecurvature and changes in curvature of the window to be wiped can beachieved.

In typical embodiments, the windshield wiper device comprises an elasticelement which is arranged between the wiper blade-side fastening partand the wiper blade. The elastic element can comprise, for example, acompression spring or can be a compression spring. A contact pressure ofthe windshield wiper device, and in particular of the wiper blade,against the window of the vehicle can therefore be provided, and animproved wiping effect can be achieved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the figures and willbe described in greater detail in the following text. In the figures:

FIGS. 1A and 1B show diagrammatic illustrations of a windshield wiperdevice in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure,

FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic illustration of an actuating apparatus ofthe windshield wiper device in accordance with embodiments of thedisclosure,

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a diagrammatic illustration of the mounting of awindshield wiper device in accordance with embodiments of thedisclosure,

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a diagrammatic illustration of the dismantling of awindshield wiper device in accordance with embodiments of thedisclosure,

FIG. 5 shows a diagrammatic illustration of a mounted windshield wiperdevice in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure,

FIG. 6A shows a diagrammatic illustration of a windshield wiper devicein accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, in a basic position,and

FIG. 6B shows a diagrammatic illustration of the windshield wiper deviceaccording to FIG. 6A, in a position in which it is set against a window,

FIG. 7 shows a diagrammatic illustration of a windshield wiper device inaccordance with other embodiments of the disclosure, in a basicposition, and

FIG. 8 shows a diagrammatic illustration of the windshield wiper deviceaccording to FIG. 7, in a position in which it is set against a window.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following text, unless otherwise noted, identical designationsare used for identical and identically acting elements.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show diagrammatic illustrations of a windshield wiperdevice 100 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 1Ashows a side view of the windshield wiper device 100, and FIG. 1B showsa plan view of the windshield wiper device 100.

The vehicle comprises the fastening element 32 and the mounting unit 110which is designed for being mounted on the fastening element 32, themounting unit 110 having a first engagement means 116. The windshieldwiper device 100 comprises a wiper blade 2 with a longitudinal extent 8,the wiper blade 2 having a wiper blade-side fastening part 120 with asecond engagement means 124. The mounting unit 110 and the wiperblade-side fastening part 120 can be introduced at least partially intoone another by way of a movement substantially along (and/or parallelto) the longitudinal extent 8 of the wiper blade 2, the first engagementmeans 116 and the second engagement means 124 being designed forengaging into one another when the mounting unit 110 and the wiperblade-side fastening part 120 are introduced into one another. Accordingto some embodiments, the windshield wiper device 100 furthermorecomprises an actuating apparatus, the engagement between the firstengagement means 116 of the mounting unit 110 and the second engagementmeans 124 of the wiper blade-side fastening part 120 being releasable byway of an actuation of the actuating apparatus.

By means of the embodiments which are described herein, a windshieldwiper device is therefore provided which can be mounted and dismantledin a simple manner. Accordingly, the windshield wiper device can bereplaced simply in the case of damage or can be removed in a simplemanner before passing through a car wash and can subsequently be mountedagain. Furthermore, for example in the event of damage of the wiperblade, only the wiper blade has to be exchanged, and the mounting unitcan be used further. As a result, maintenance costs can be reduced.

Although the vehicle can comprise the mounting unit in the exampleswhich are shown here, it is to be understood that the windshield wiperdevice can also comprise the mounting unit which is described here.

As shown by way of example in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the mounting unit 110 inaccordance with embodiments can be connected to the fastening element 32or can be fastened to the latter. To this end, the fastening element 32can be introduced, for example, into the mounting unit 110. Thefastening element 32 and the mounting unit 110 can be connected to oneanother, for example, by way of a non-positive and/or positively lockingconnection, and can be connected to one another releasably, inparticular. The fastening element 32 can be, for example, a drive shaftwhich is connected to a wiper motor or is driven by the latter.

In accordance with embodiments, the wiper blade 2 has an elongate upperpart 10 and an elongate lower part 12 which are of at least partiallyflexible configuration, the lower part 12 facing a window duringoperation of the windshield wiper device. Furthermore, a plurality ofconnecting elements 18 are provided for connecting the upper part 10 andthe lower part 12, the connecting elements 18 being spaced apart fromone another along the longitudinal extent 8 of the wiper blade and beingattached on the upper part 10 and/or the lower part 12 by means of arotary joint. The connecting elements 18 are designed for making amovement of the upper part 10 and the lower part 12 relative to oneanother possible, with a movement component along the longitudinalextent 8 of the wiper blade 2. Here, the connecting elements areconnected on the upper part 10 at a respective upper connecting positionand on the lower part 12 at a respective lower connecting position. Forexample, in each case one rotary joint is provided at the connectingpositions. In the case of a movement of the upper part 10 and the lowerpart 12 relative to one another, the spacing of an upper connectingposition from a lower connecting position on the same connecting elementdoes not change substantially, that is to say the spacing is constantwith deviations of, for example, ±1 mm, in particular ±0.3 mm.

A windshield wiper device having a wiper blade of this type can becalled a “fin ray”. Windshield wiper devices of the fin ray type aredistinguished by a particularly high flexibility and satisfactoryadaptation to the curvature and curvature changes of the window to bewiped.

In accordance with embodiments, the mounting unit 110 has a firstopening 114, through which the wiper blade-side fastening part 120 canbe introduced at least partially into the mounting unit 110. The firstopening 114 can be, for example, an opening to a receiving region 112 ofthe mounting unit 110. Therefore, the wiper blade 2 can be mounted onthe mounting unit 110 in a simple way. For example, the mounting unit110 can have a cutout or the receiving region 112, and the wiperblade-side fastening part 120 can have a main body 122. For example, themain body 122 of the wiper blade-side fastening part 120 can be capableof being inserted into the cutout or the receiving region 112. The mainbody 122 and/or the cutout or the receiving region 112 can have asubstantially rectangular shape.

The present disclosure is not restricted hereto, however, and the wiperblade-side fastening part can have the first opening in otherembodiments, through which first opening the mounting unit can beintroduced at least partially into the wiper blade-side fastening part.

In some embodiments, the first engagement means 116 is a second opening,a circumferential region of the second opening being designed forengaging with the second engagement means 124 and, in particular, forforming a non-positive and/or positively locking connection with thesecond engagement means 124. The first engagement means 116 can beconfigured, for example, on an upper side of the mounting unit 110. Theupper side of the mounting unit 110 can be in particular a side orsurface of the mounting unit 110 that faces away from the vehiclewindow.

The present disclosure is not restricted hereto, however, and the secondengagement means is the second opening in other embodiments, thecircumferential region of the second opening being designed for engagingwith the first engagement means and, in particular, for forming anon-positive and/or positively locking connection with the firstengagement means. Therefore, the wiper blade 2 and the mounting unit 110can be connected to one another in a simple way, and can be connectedreleasably to one another, in particular. In typical embodiments, thefirst engagement means 116 and the second engagement means 124 can beconfigured as a latching mechanism and/or as a click-action mechanism.

In accordance with embodiments of the disclosure which can be combinedwith other embodiments, “non-positive connection” is understood to meanall connections which are produced by way of the transmission of forces(for example, non-positive connections, frictional connection). Inparticular, connections of this type use pressure forces and/orfrictional forces. The cohesion of said connections is achieved by wayof the force which acts.

In accordance with embodiments of the disclosure which can be combinedwith other embodiments, “positively locking connection” is understood tomean all connections which are produced by way of an engagement of atleast two elements into one another (positively locking connections). Inparticular, the elements cannot be released by way of the mechanicalconnection, even without a transmission of force or in the case of aninterrupted transmission of force.

In accordance with embodiments which can be combined with otherembodiments which are described here, the actuating apparatus comprisesthe first engagement means or the second engagement means, the actuatingapparatus and the first engagement means or the second engagement meansbeing configured in one piece, in particular. In the example of FIGS. 1Aand 1B, the actuating apparatus and the second engagement means 124 ofthe wiper blade-side fastening part 120 are configured in one piece orintegrally. Therefore, the windshield wiper device 100 can bemanufactured simply and inexpensively. The actuating apparatus cantypically be configured as a button or pushbutton.

In accordance with some embodiments which can be combined with otherembodiments which are described here, the wiper blade-side fasteningpart 120 is arranged or mounted on the wiper blade 2 so as to berotatable about an axis of rotation, in particular wherein the axis ofrotation is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extent 8 ofthe wiper blade 2. The windshield wiper device 100 typically comprises arotary joint 126 which connects the wiper blade-side fastening part 120and the wiper blade 2 rotatably to each other, and in particular whereinthe rotary joint 126 provides the axis of rotation. The axis of rotationpermits a relative movement between the wiper blade-side fastening part120 and the wiper blade 2, as a result of which, for example, goodadaptation to the curvature and changes in curvature of the window to bewiped can be achieved.

In typical embodiments, the windshield wiper device 100 comprises anelastic element 128 which is arranged between the wiper blade-sidefastening part 120 and the wiper blade 2. For example, the elasticelement 128 can be arranged above the rotary joint 126. The elasticelement 128 can comprise, for example, a compression spring or can be acompression spring. In accordance with embodiments, the elastic element128 can be configured in order to push the wiper blade-side fasteningpart 120 and the wiper blade 2 away from each other or apart. A contactpressure of the windshield wiper device 100, and in particular of thewiper blade 2 or of a wiper lip (not shown) mounted on the lower side 12of the wiper blade 2, against the window of the vehicle can therefore beprovided, and an improved wiping effect can be achieved.

By means of the embodiments described here, a windshield wiper device istherefore provided which can be mounted and dismantled in a simplemanner. Accordingly, the wiper blade of the windshield wiper device canbe replaced simply in the case of damage or can be removed in a simplemanner before passing through a car wash and can subsequently be mountedagain.

FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic illustration of the actuating apparatus ofthe windshield wiper device 100 in accordance with embodiments of thedisclosure.

The actuating apparatus can typically be configured as a button orpushbutton. Therefore, for example, non-positive connection and/orpositively locking connection between the first engagement means and thesecond engagement means can be released in a simple way, in particularby way of pressing of the pushbutton. Accordingly, the windshield wiperdevice 100 can be replaced simply in the case of damage or can beremoved in a simple way before passing through a car wash and can bemounted again subsequently.

In accordance with embodiments of the disclosure which can be combinedwith other embodiments, the actuating apparatus comprises or is thesecond engagement means 124. The second engagement means 124 cantypically be configured as a projection. The actuating apparatus can beof at least partially elastic configuration. The projection can be inengagement with the first engagement means in the mounted state of thewindshield wiper device 100, it being possible for the projection to belowered by way of pressing of the actuating apparatus, in order thus torelease the engagement between the projection and the first engagementmeans.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a diagrammatic illustration of the mounting of awindshield wiper device 100 in accordance with embodiments of thedisclosure.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method formounting the windshield wiper device 100 in accordance with theembodiments which are described here is provided. The method comprisesat least partial introduction of the mounting unit 110 and the wiperblade-side fastening part 120 into one another by way of a movementsubstantially along the longitudinal extent of the wiper blade 2; and aformation of a non-positive connection and/or positively lockingconnection between the first engagement means 116 and the secondengagement means 124. Typically, the actuating apparatus can be pressed,as indicated in FIG. 3B with the arrow 200, in order to release thenon-positive connection and/or positively locking connection.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a diagrammatic illustration of the dismantling of awindshield wiper device 100 in accordance with embodiments of thedisclosure.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method isprovided for dismantling the windshield wiper device 100 in accordancewith the embodiments described here. The method comprises releasing anon-positive connection and/or positively locking connection between thefirst engagement means 116 and the second engagement means 124, forexample by pressing the actuating apparatus (indicated with the arrow200); and moving the mounting unit 110 and the wiper blade-sidefastening part 120 apart from one another in a direction 210substantially along the longitudinal extent 8 of the wiper blade 2, inorder to release the mounting unit 110 and the wiper blade-sidefastening part 120 from one another.

Typically, the wiper blade 2 can be rotated about the rotary joint 126,as indicated by the arrow 220, for the dismantling. The wiper blade 2with the wiper blade-side fastening part 120 can then be released in asimple manner from the mounting unit 110 and removed.

FIG. 5 shows a diagrammatic illustration of a mounted windshield wiperdevice 100 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

In typical embodiments, the windshield wiper device 100 comprises theelastic element 128, for example a compression spring, which is arrangedbetween the wiper blade-side fastening part 120 and the wiper blade 2.According to embodiments, the elastic element 128 can be configured inorder to press the wiper blade-side fastening part 120 and the wiperblade 2 away from each other or apart. As a result, the elastic element128 can provide a (pre-)stressing force 230. Therefore, a contactpressure on the window of the vehicle of the windshield wiper device 100and, in particular, of the wiper blade 2 or of a wiper lip (not shown)which is mounted on the underside of the wiper blade 2 can be provided,and an improved wiping effect can be achieved.

In accordance with embodiments, the (pre-)stressing force 230 canprovide a securing function for the windshield wiper device 100. Whenthe actuating apparatus is activated, the (pre-)stressing force 230 canpress the wiper blade 2 upward. The structure is secured/fixed, as aresult of which falling out or falling down of the wiper blade 2 isprevented.

In the following text, aspects of an exemplary windshield wiper devicewill be described, for which the embodiments of the windshield wiperdevice which are described herein are particularly advantageous. Thefastening apparatus which is described herein can in principle also beused for other windshield wiper devices, however.

In order to provide the “fin ray” effect which is described in greaterdetail in the following text with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, 7 and 8,the connecting elements 18 are designed, above all, to be movable aboutan associated connecting point 20, for making a movement of the upperpart 10 and the lower part 12 relative to one another possible, with amovement component along the longitudinal extent 8 of the wiper blade 2.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show diagrammatic illustrations of a wiper blade 2 in abasic position and in a position in which it is set against a window 4,in accordance with embodiments of the windshield wiper device of thedisclosure. The wiper blade 2 serves for wiping the window 4 of avehicle which is, for example, a motor vehicle, in particular a car. Thewiper blade 2 has a longitudinal extent 8 and has an elongate upper part10 and a likewise elongate lower part 12. The longitudinal extents ofthe upper part 10 and of the lower part 12 correspond substantially tothe longitudinal extent 8 of the wiper blade 2.

Both the upper part 10 and the lower part 12 are flexible bars or can beconfigured as flexible bars. It is likewise possible to configure onlyin each case one part of the upper part 10 and/or of the lower part 12to be flexible. In accordance with some embodiments which can becombined with the other embodiments which are described here, a materialis used for the upper part 10 and/or the lower part 12, which materialhas a modulus of elasticity which lies in a range between 0.005 kN/mm²and 0.5 kN/mm², in particular between 0.01 kN/mm² and 0.1 kN/mm². Thismakes a suitable flexural capability of the upper part 10 and of thelower part 12 possible. Together with a cross-sectional area of theupper part 10 and of the lower part 12 of suitable configuration, thisthus results in an optimum flexural stiffness.

Furthermore, FIGS. 6A and 6B show the mounting unit 110, on which thewiper blade 2 is attached. The mounting unit 110 is connected to a wipermotor which drives the windshield wiper device for wiping the window 4.The mounting unit 110 can be configured in accordance with theembodiments of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the wiper motor canbe connected to the fastening element 32 which can be a drive shaft.

On the side which lies opposite the mounting unit 110 along thelongitudinal extent 8 of the windshield wiper device, the upper part 10and the lower part 12 are connected at the connecting position 34. Theupper part 10 and the lower part 12 are connected to one another by wayof connecting elements 18. The connecting elements 18 are configured insuch a way that the spacing of the connecting position to the upper part10 and the spacing of the connecting position to the lower part 12change by at most ±1 mm, in particular change by at most ±0.3 mm (forexample, as a result of thermal expansion and/or tensile and compressiveloading). The connecting elements 18 can therefore be of substantiallynon-elastic configuration and/or the effect of the connecting elements18 is based on their transmission of force between the upper part 10 andthe lower part 12 and not on their elasticity.

The connecting elements 18 are fastened by means of rotary joints 20 tomutually facing inner longitudinal sides of the upper part 10 and thelower part 12. The rotary joints 20 are typically hinges. In particular,the rotary joints 20 can be configured as integral hinges. This isadvantageous, above all, when the upper part 10, the lower part 12and/or the connecting elements 18 are/is manufactured from a plasticmaterial or are/is coated with a suitable plastic material.

In accordance with typical embodiments which are described here and canbe combined with other embodiments which are described here, a rotaryjoint 20 is selected from the following group which consists of: ahinge, an integral hinge, a tapered portion of the material in order toproduce lower stiffness along a torsional axis, a joint with arotational axis, a means for connecting the upper part to the connectingelement or for connecting the lower part to the connecting element,which permits the displacement of the lower part in relation to theupper part along the longitudinal extent, etc.

Embodiments, in which the joints 20 are provided by way of integralhinges, therefore provide a very simple way of providing the joints 20for a fin ray wiper. The wiper blade 2 can be provided in one piece, inparticular without the use of tools. In accordance with typicalembodiments, the integral hinges have a high elasticity. This can beprovided, for example, by way of a material selected from the groupcomprising PP, PE, POM and PA. As an alternative, the integral hingescan be manufactured from one or more materials from a group consistingof: TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), for example TPE-S, TPE-O, TPE-U,TPE-A, TPE-V and TPE-E.

The connecting elements 18 are spaced apart from one another along thelongitudinal extent 8 of the wiper blade 2. The spacings areadvantageously smaller than 50 mm, in particular smaller than 30 mm. Asa result, particularly high flexibility of the windshield wiper device,in particular of its lower part 12, and satisfactory adaptation to thecurvature and curvature changes of the window 4 to be wiped can beensured.

FIG. 6B shows a diagrammatic illustration of the wiper blade 2 accordingto FIG. 6A in a position in which it is set against the window 4. Sincethe window 4 has a curvature, contact pressure forces act on the lowerpart 12 when the wiper blade 2 bears against the window 4. Since theupper part 10 and the lower part 12 are flexible bars and the connectingelements 18 are mounted rotatably on the upper part 10 and the lowerpart 12, the upper part 10 and the lower part 12 can be displaced withrespect to one another. As a result of the pressure forces which actfrom below on the lower part 12, the wiper blade 2 bends in thatdirection, from which the pressure forces come, and bears preciselyagainst the curvature of the window 4.

As a result of the construction of the embodiments which are describedhere, bending of the lower part 12 takes place in the direction, fromwhich the force acts, in the case of an action of force on the lowerpart 12 (by way of the window 4). This is as a result of the connectionof the upper part 10 and of the lower part 12 at the connecting position34, the shape, and as a result of rotary joints 20 at the connectionbetween the connecting elements 18 and the upper and lower part. Awindshield wiper device in accordance with embodiments which aredescribed here utilizes the effect of tailfins of certain fish, whichtailfins do not yield in the direction of pressure in the case oflateral pressure, but rather curve in the opposite direction, that is tosay in the direction, from which the pressure comes. This principle isalso called the “fin ray” principle. As a result, a windshield wiperdevice in accordance with the embodiments which are described herein hasthe advantage of improved adaptation to a window 4 of a motor vehicle.In the case of a conventional windshield wiper blade, the upper partthereof is usually rigid, that is to say it is not of flexibleconfiguration.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show diagrammatic illustrations of a wiper blade 2 of awindshield wiper device for a vehicle, in particular for a motorvehicle, in a basic position (FIG. 7), that is to say in an unloadedstate, and in a position in which it is set against a window 4 (FIG. 8)in accordance with the embodiments which are described herein. The wiperblade 2 comprises an elongate upper part 10 and an elongate lower part12 which are of at least partially flexible configuration. Furthermore,a plurality of connecting elements 18 are provided for connecting theupper part 10 and the lower part 12, the connecting elements 18 beingspaced apart from one another along the longitudinal extent 8 of thewiper blade 2. The connecting elements 18 are designed for making amovement of the upper part 10 and the lower part 12 relative to oneanother possible, with a movement component along the longitudinalextent 8 of the wiper blade 2. Furthermore, the connecting elements 18are arranged relative to the lower part 12 in such a way that, in anunloaded state of the wiper blade 2, an angle αn of the respectivelongitudinal axes 24 of the connecting elements 18 relative to the lowerpart 12 changes at least partially along the longitudinal extent 8 ofthe wiper blade 2, in particular changes continuously or changesmonotonously or strictly monotonously.

In the unloaded state in the wiper blade 2 which is shown in FIG. 7, theangles αn of the respective longitudinal axes 24 of the connectingelements 18 relative to the lower part 12 which change along thelongitudinal extent 8 of the wiper blade 2 are denoted by α1, α2, α3, .. . αn−1, αn. In a loaded state of the wiper blade 2, that is to say ina position in which it is set against the window 4, as shown by way ofexample in FIG. 8, the angles αn of the respective longitudinal axes 24of the connecting elements 18 relative to the lower part 12 change incomparison with the unloaded state. In order to express this, the anglesαn of the respective longitudinal axes 24 of the connecting elements 18relative to the lower part 12 which change along the longitudinal extent8 of the wiper blade 2 are denoted by α1, α2, α3, . . . αn−1, αn in thewiper blade 2 which is shown in FIG. 8 and is situated in a position inwhich it is set against the window 4.

In accordance with embodiments of the windshield wiper device which canbe combined with other embodiments, the wiper blade 2 has at least onefirst region, in which the angle αn of the longitudinal axes 24 of theconnecting elements 18 relative to the lower part 12 decreases along thelongitudinal extent 8 of the wiper blade 2 toward a wiper blade end, inparticular decreases monotonously, in particular strictly monotonously.Furthermore, the wiper blade 2 can have at least one second region, inwhich the angle αn of the longitudinal axes 24 of the connectingelements 18 relative to the lower part 12 increases along thelongitudinal extent 8 of the wiper blade 2 toward a wiper blade end, inparticular increases monotonously, in particular strictly monotonously.In accordance with embodiments, as shown by way of example in FIGS. 7and 8, the second region of the wiper blade 2, in which second regionthe angle αn of the longitudinal axes 24 of the connecting elements 18relative to the lower part 12 increases along the longitudinal extent 8of the wiper blade 2 toward a wiper blade end, is arranged at an innerposition of the wiper blade which is situated in the vicinity of themounting unit 110 or the wiper blade-side fastening part (not shown) ofthe wiper blade 2. As a result, a windshield wiper device can beprovided which makes particularly satisfactory adaptation to thecurvature of a window 4 possible. Furthermore, a largely uniform contactpressure of the windshield wiper device on the window 4 and ahomogeneous distribution of forces of the windshield wiper device can beprovided, with the result that a high wiping quality is provided.

In accordance with embodiments of the wiper blade 2 which can becombined with other embodiments, the connecting elements 18 are fastenedto the lower part 12, in particular in an unloaded state of the wiperblade 2, in such a way that the longitudinal axes 24 of the connectingelements 18 run at angles αn with respect to the lower part 12, whichangles αn lie between a lower angle limit value αnu and an upper limitvalue αno. In accordance with embodiments, the lower angle limit valueαnu=10°, in particular αnu=15°, in particular αnu=20°, and the upperangle limit value αno=80°, in particular αno=90°, in particularαno=100°. This advantageously ensures a particularly satisfactorytransmission of a force which acts on the lower part 12 to the upperpart 10.

In accordance with embodiments of the windshield wiper device which canbe combined with other embodiments, the connecting elements 18 areconfigured in such a way that the spacing between the upper part 10 andthe lower part 12 changes at least partially along the longitudinalextent 8 of the wiper blade 2, in particular decreases continuously in afirst region and increases continuously in a second region. The spacingbetween the upper part 10 and the lower part 12 along the longitudinalextent 8 of the wiper blade 2 can also comprise a region, in which thespacing between the upper part 10 and the lower part 12 is substantiallyconstant along the longitudinal extent 8 of the wiper blade 2. Thespacing between the upper part 10 and the lower part 12 of the mountingunit 110 or the wiper blade-side fastening part is greater than at theopposite end, at which the connecting position 34 is situated.

In accordance with embodiments of the wiper blade 2 which can becombined with other embodiments, the inner spacing value (facing thewiper blade-side fastening part) is at least 15 mm, in particular atleast 25 mm, in particular at least 35 mm. In accordance withembodiments which can be combined with other embodiments, the outerspacing value is at least 10 mm, in particular at least 12.5 mm, inparticular at least 15 mm. In accordance with embodiments which can becombined with other embodiments, the mean spacing value is at least 7.5mm, in particular at least 9 mm, in particular at least 12.5 mm.

As shown by way of example in FIGS. 7 and 8, the connecting elements 18in accordance with embodiments which can be combined with otherembodiments are connected in an articulated manner to the lower part 12and/or the upper part 10. In particular, the connecting elements 18 areconnected to the lower part 12 and/or the upper part 10 by means of afirst integral hinge 20. The first integral hinge 20 can be configuredin one piece with the connecting element 18 and the upper part 10 and/orthe lower part 12. The single-piece configuration of the integral hingespermits simple and inexpensive manufacture.

In accordance with embodiments of the wiper blade which can be combinedwith other embodiments which are described herein, the wiper blade 2comprises a first region with a first curvature ω<0 and a second regionwith a second curvature ω>0. Furthermore, the wiper blade in accordancewith embodiments can have a third region with a third curvature ω<0, thesecond region of the wiper blade 2 with the second curvature ω>0 beingarranged between the first region with the first curvature ω<0 and thethird region with the third curvature ω<0, as shown by way of example inFIG. 7. Therefore, a windshield wiper device can be provided, by way ofwhich a largely uniform contact pressure on the window 4 can berealized. Furthermore, a windshield wiper device can be provided whichhas improved adaptation to the window 4 and a high wiping quality.

The embodiments described here specify a windshield wiper device whichcan be mounted and dismantled in a simple manner. Accordingly, thewindshield wiper device can be replaced simply in the case of damage orcan be removed in a simple manner before passing through a car wash andcan subsequently be mounted again.

1. A windshield wiper device (100) for a vehicle having a fasteningelement (32) and a mounting unit (110) which is configured for beingmounted on the fastening element (32), the mounting unit (110) having afirst engagement means (116), the windshield wiper device (100)comprising: a wiper blade (2) with a longitudinal extent (8), the wiperblade (2) having a wiper blade-side fastening part (120) with a secondengagement means (124), the mounting unit (110) and the wiper blade-sidefastening part (120) being configured to be introduced at leastpartially into one another by a movement substantially along thelongitudinal extent (8) of the wiper blade (2), the first engagementmeans (116) and the second engagement means (124) being configured forengaging into one another when the mounting unit (110) and the wiperblade-side fastening part (120) are introduced into one another, and theengagement between the first engagement means (116) of the mounting unit(110) and the second engagement means (124) of the wiper blade-sidefastening part (120) being releasable.
 2. The windshield wiper device(100) as claimed in claim 1, the wiper blade (2) comprising: an elongateupper part (10) which is of at least partially flexible configuration,an elongate lower part (12) which is of at least partially flexibleconfiguration, and a plurality of connecting elements (18) forconnecting the upper part (10) and the lower part (12), the connectingelements (18) being spaced apart from one another along the longitudinalextent (8) of the wiper blade (2) and being attached on the upper part(10) and/or on the lower part (12) by means of a rotary joint (20). 3.The windshield wiper device (100) as claimed in claim 1, the mountingunit (110) having a first opening (114), through which the wiperblade-side fastening part (120) is configured to be introduced at leastpartially into the mounting unit (110).
 4. The windshield wiper deviceas claimed in claim 1, the wiper blade-side fastening part having afirst opening, through which the mounting unit is configured to beintroduced at least partially into wiper blade-side fastening part. 5.The windshield wiper device (100) as claimed in, the first engagementmeans (116) being a second opening, a circumferential region of thesecond opening being configured for engaging with the second engagementmeans (124).
 6. The windshield wiper device as claimed in claim 1, thesecond engagement means being a second opening, a circumferential regionof the second opening being configured for engaging with the firstengagement means.
 7. The windshield wiper device (100) as claimed inclaim 1, comprising an actuating apparatus, engagement between the firstengagement means (116) of the mounting unit (110) and the secondengagement means (124) of the wiper blade-side fastening part (120)being releasable of an actuation of the actuating apparatus.
 8. Thewindshield wiper device (100) as claimed in claim 7, the actuatingapparatus comprising the first engagement means (116) or the secondengagement means (124).
 9. The windshield wiper device (100) as claimedin claim 7, the actuating apparatus being configured as a button orpushbutton.
 10. The windshield wiper device (100) as claimed in claim 1,wherein the wiper blade-side fastening part (120) is arranged on thewiper blade (2) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation.
 11. Thewindshield wiper device (100) as claimed in claim 10, comprising arotary joint (126) which connects the wiper blade-side fastening part(120) and the wiper blade (2) rotatably to each other.
 12. Thewindshield wiper device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising anelastic element (128) which is arranged between the wiper blade-sidefastening part (120) and the wiper blade (2).
 13. The windshield wiperdevice (100) as claimed in claim 12, the elastic element (128)comprising a compression spring.
 14. A method (700) for mounting awindshield wiper device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:introducing the mounting unit (110) and the wiper blade-side fasteningpart (120) at least partially into one another by a movementsubstantially along the longitudinal extent (8) of the wiper blade (2);and forming a non-positive connection and/or positively lockingconnection between the first engagement means (116) and the secondengagement means (124).
 15. A method for dismantling a windshield wiperdevice (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising: releasing a non-positiveconnection and/or positively locking connection between the firstengagement means (116) and the second engagement means (124); and movingthe mounting unit (110) and the wiper blade-side fastening part (120)apart from one another in a direction substantially along thelongitudinal extent (8) of the wiper blade (2), in order to release themounting unit (110) and the wiper blade-side fastening part (120) fromone another.
 16. The windshield wiper device (100) as claimed in claim1, the connecting elements (18) being configured for making a movementof the upper part (10) and the lower part (12) relative to one anotherpossible with a movement component along the longitudinal extent (8) ofthe wiper blade (2).
 17. The windshield wiper device (100) as claimed inclaim 1, the first engagement means (116) being a second opening, acircumferential region of the second opening being configured forengaging with the second engagement means (124) and for forming anon-positive and/or positively locking connection with the secondengagement means (124).
 18. The windshield wiper device as claimed inclaim 1, the second engagement means being a second opening, acircumferential region of the second opening being configured forengaging with the first engagement means and for forming a non-positiveand/or positively locking connection with the first engagement means.19. The windshield wiper device (100) as claimed in claim 7, theactuating apparatus comprising the first engagement means (116) or thesecond engagement means (124), and the actuating apparatus and the firstengagement means (116) or the second engagement means (124) beingconfigured in one piece.
 20. The windshield wiper device (100) asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the wiper blade-side fastening part (120) isarranged on the wiper blade (2) so as to be rotatable about an axis ofrotation, wherein the axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular tothe longitudinal extent (8) of the wiper blade (2).
 21. The windshieldwiper device (100) as claimed in claim 20, comprising a rotary joint(126) which connects the wiper blade-side fastening part (120) and thewiper blade (2) rotatably to each other, and wherein the rotary joint(126) provides the axis of rotation.